Bangladesh pace bowler Nahid Rana has been officially ruled out of the upcoming Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Japan starting in mid-September. Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) officials confirmed on Monday, August 31, that the decision was made to prioritize the player’s ongoing rehabilitation following a side strain injury.
Rana, who was sidelined for the recent two-match Test series against Australia, recently resumed bowling in the nets at the BCB Academy after a six-week layoff. The injury, which he originally sustained during the tour of Zimbabwe, has prompted selectors to adopt a cautious approach. Chief selector Habibul Bashar stated that the board is unwilling to take any risks with the pacer’s fitness at this stage.
“We are not considering Nahid Rana for the Asian Games owing to his rehabilitation process,” Bashar told reporters on Monday. While his participation in the Asian Games is officially off the table, the board is looking ahead to the series against Afghanistan in October. Bashar confirmed that Rana is expected to return for that tour, though it remains to be determined whether he will feature in the Test or ODI formats. “It is 100% confirmed that he will not play in the Asian Games,” he added.
